New Edition of the Scheme of MPs’ Business Costs Expenses for 2017-18
Date published: 16 March 2017
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has today published a new edition of the Scheme of MPs’ Business Costs and Expenses.
The new Scheme revises rules on MPs’ office costs, travel, accommodation, and staffing, including MPs’ employment of family members.
IPSA Chair Ruth Evans said:
“From May to October 2016, we conducted our first comprehensive consultation on our Scheme of MPs’ Business Costs and Expenses. We have considered the responses and now publish the new rules that will apply from 1 April 2017. Since IPSA was established in 2010, there has been overwhelming compliance by MPs with the rules of the Scheme. We publish all claims made, so the public can have confidence that MPs’ costs are independently regulated.
“Today we publish a new Scheme that recognises MPs’ compliance, simplifies some of our rules, supports MPs in their demanding roles, and continues to provide good value for money to the taxpayer.
“We have decided to end funding for new employees who are related to MPs from the next General Election onwards. We believe that the employment of ‘connected parties’ is out of step with modern employment practice, which requires fair and open recruitment to encourage diversity in the workplace.”
As well as a new Scheme, we have consulted on and reviewed our publication policy. This is also published today.
ENDS
For more details contact IPSA's Press Office.
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Notes to Editors:
Copies of the new Scheme are available from the House of Commons Vote Office.
IPSA' new Publication Scheme - April 2017.